Did Rami Malek Really Sing Freddie Mercury’s Songs for His Oscar-Winning ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Performance?
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The 2018 musical biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, directed by Bryan Singer, became a global sensation, not only for its captivating retelling of Queen’s rise to fame but also for the performance of Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. Malek’s portrayal of Mercury—a larger-than-life rock legend—was widely praised, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2019. His embodiment of Mercury’s charisma, flamboyance, and vulnerability resonated with both critics and audiences alike, bringing Freddie back to life on the big screen. Despite the accolades, a question frequently arises: did Rami Malek actually sing those legendary Queen songs we all know and love?
Rami Malek Isn’t the One Singing in Bohemian Rhapsody—So Who Is?
As much as fans might wish otherwise, Rami Malek did not provide the vocals for Freddie Mercury’s iconic tracks in Bohemian Rhapsody. While Malek undoubtedly gave a compelling performance that captured Mercury’s essence, the actor himself confirmed that the voice audiences hear in the film isn’t his. Instead, the production team crafted an “amalgamation” of voices to replicate Mercury’s legendary vocals.
The main vocal contributor to Malek’s on-screen performance is Canadian musician Marc Martel, who gained notoriety for his spot-on impersonations of Freddie Mercury’s voice. Martel’s uncanny ability to channel Mercury’s range and style made him an invaluable asset to the film. As Malek explained to Metro, while his own voice was used sparingly for dialogue, the vast majority of the singing heard in the movie is Marc Martel’s, supported by archival recordings of Freddie Mercury.
For songs like “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Martel’s voice, combined with Queen’s original recordings, helped to create a seamless experience that felt true to the band’s legacy. This collaboration allowed the film to authentically capture Queen’s explosive sound, while still maintaining the magic of Mercury’s vocal brilliance. The filmmakers wanted to stay as faithful as possible to the original music while ensuring that the songs complemented Malek’s stellar portrayal.
The Real Freddie Mercury on the Soundtrack
If you were hoping to hear Marc Martel or a mixture of voices when listening to the film’s soundtrack, you might be surprised. While Martel contributed significantly to Malek’s singing in the film, the official Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack features original recordings by Queen, including their unforgettable 1985 Live Aid performance. This decision was made to honor Queen’s authentic sound and to provide fans with the pure experience of hearing Mercury’s vocals.
The film, paired with these original tracks, allows viewers and listeners to relive the glory of Queen’s music in a way that balances historical accuracy and dramatic flair. By weaving together Martel’s vocals in the film and Queen’s actual recordings on the soundtrack, Bohemian Rhapsody delivers a fitting tribute to both the band and Mercury’s irreplaceable voice.
Malek’s Oscar-Winning Transformation
Despite not singing the songs himself, Malek’s Oscar win was well-deserved for his transformational performance. From Mercury’s confident swagger on stage to his quieter, more intimate moments, Malek immersed himself in the role, studying Mercury’s mannerisms and vocal delivery. The actor worked tirelessly to embody Mercury’s essence, taking months of movement coaching to replicate Mercury’s unique stage presence.
This dedication, combined with Martel’s vocals and the use of Queen’s original recordings, created a film experience that felt authentic and emotionally resonant. Bohemian Rhapsody not only celebrated the music of Queen but also introduced Freddie Mercury to a new generation, reminding fans of why he remains one of the greatest performers in rock history.
In the end, Rami Malek may not have sung the legendary tracks, but his portrayal of Freddie Mercury, coupled with Marc Martel’s vocal contributions, breathed new life into Queen’s timeless songs. Whether it’s through the film or the official soundtrack, Bohemian Rhapsody offers fans an unforgettable tribute to the brilliance of Freddie Mercury and Queen.
